If you previously started but did not finish a degree course at Essex and are now thinking about coming back to complete your studies, we call this ‘readmission’ and there is a different application route in place.
This procedure doesn't apply to:
- students who want to be admitted to study at a higher level after having successfully completed an award at a lower level
- students who have successfully completed a degree and want to start another degree in a different subject area
Readmission policy
It is our policy, and part of national HESA rules, that you cannot
normally be considered for readmission to the same programme from which you have been
required to withdraw, or a similar programme which contained modules you have already
taken, for a minimum of two years after you left (with the exception of students who
have been required to withdraw for debt).
You can be considered for immediate readmission to a completely
different area of study if there are good reasons to indicate that you chose the wrong
course originally and there was evidence that you could be successful in a new area.
This is subject to the University’s rules relating to the maximum period of study.
How to apply for readmission
In order for your request to be considered, please complete the application form for former undergraduate students. Please ensure that you select ‘Yes’ to 'Have you ever registered for a course at the University
of Essex before?’
Supporting documents
Your personal statement should cover the reasons why you wish to be readmitted; what you have been
doing since leaving Essex; and why you believe you will be successful if you return to your studies at
Essex. If you have studied elsewhere since leaving Essex, please give full details of the course(s) you
studied and the dates of your study.
If you are a recent Essex student and you have not studied elsewhere since leaving Essex, then
you will not need to supply a new reference with your application.
Deadlines
The deadlines for the submission of a readmission request are set well in advance of the relevant course
start date, as the process can be a lengthy one, especially if a student requires a Student visa to study in the UK.
The deadline is 15 July 2025 for October 2025 entry.
Outcome
Your application will be considered by several departments within the University, so please don’t be concerned
if you don’t hear from us immediately. Depending on your case, it may be a number of weeks before you receive a
decision. If you have any concerns about the progress of your readmission request please contact: readmission@essex.ac.uk
Complaints against decisions
There is no right of appeal against selection decisions made by the University, including decisions about readmission.
Complaints will normally be considered to be valid only where there is evidence of procedural irregularity. In the event
that you are dissatisfied with the University’s readmissions process, you can submit a complaint in line with the
Complaints policy for applicants.